Hey guys! Sorry for the long wait, lots of things both good and bad have just completely had me swamped. Thank you queenlaur for you review :) it made my day when I got a notice someone had left a review. I look forward to hearing my readers and to see how you guys are liking the story and if you have any thoughts or questions. Now without further ado, here's the next chapter. Enjoy :)
(Burgess)
An eerie silence had settled over the little town as rolling clouds of navy moved above. Every now and then pockets would open through and one could glimpse the twinkling stars standing in stark contrast against the night sky. It was a peaceful and calm night, well for most it was…for those at the Bennett home, not so much.
"Bring him in here quickly!"
Jack and Patrick followed Iris into the Livingroom, the two being careful to not jostle the shade they were carrying too much.
"Jack what happened to Darkness!"
Then winter spirit cursed under his breath, in the excitement of extinguishing the fight between Onyx and Ratri and then finding Darkness it had slipped his mind that his younger siblings would be in the room.
"It's nothing serious Jamie." Jack erased the worried look from his face as he smiled at his brother who had vacated the couch to allow them access.
"Nothing serious?" Patrick snorted as he and Jack carefully laid Darkness belly first on the couch, "Darkness could be dying and you think it's not serious?"
"Not Darkess!" Sophie's voice filled the air as she jumped to her feet, the little girl's eyes brimmed with tears, "Jafs don't let Darkess die!"
"Great job Patrick!" Jack glared at Patrick when Sophie started crying, "I was trying to not upset Sophie!"
"Sorry! I didn't know!" Patrick sweat dropped, as Sophie continued crying
Jack didn't bother responding as he quickly left the couch and went to his sister's side, "Hey, hey don't cry Sophie. Everything will be alright."
"No it not!" Sophie sobbed louder, the little girl distraught, "He's hurted so bad!"
Jack startled when she suddenly flung herself into him, he managed to catch the yelp in his throat when the action sent a burst of pain from the wound in his chest. However instead of making her move Jack simply placed an arm around her, "Sophie…" the teen quickly tried to think of what he could do or say to help calm his siter down.
Thankfully Iris quickly came to his rescue
"Sophie sweetie." Iris spoke softly as she moved over to them, "Darkness isn't going to die."
"But…Uncle Pafric said Darkess is." Sophie sniffled as she unburied her face from Jack's chest
"Patrick is just being silly." Emerald eyes were full of kindness as Iris gently brushed the little girl's hair from her eyes, "Is he a doctor?"
Sophie glanced at Patrick, then back to Iris, "No, Pafrics a Cirfis King."
At that Patrick raised an eyebrow, "A Circus King…who told you that?"
"Pits did."
"Of course, he did." Patrick huffed as he crossed his arms, "Wait until I get my hands on…"
"So, since Patrick works in the circus does he know how to take care of people?" Iris cut her husband off.
Sophie cocked her head thinking, "Well…maybe nof peoples but the animils."
"Yes, I suppose the Circus King needs to know how to take care of the animals." Iris chuckled slightly, "But Darkness isn't an animal, is he?"
"No." Sophie giggled, "Darkess is a person."
"Right, and I have been taught by some of the best doctors on how to take care of people." Iris placed her hand on the little girl's face, "Even your mother taught me for a few years."
At that Sophie's eyes widened, "Mommy tauf you?" she squealed with delight when Iris nodded, "Then Darkess will be okas!
Jack smiled when Sophie hugged him tight, this time in joy rather than distress
"Yeah Sophie, Iris will have Darkness feeling better in no time."," Jamie spoke up, the boy moving to his sister, "She knows just how to help him."
Sophie's eyes brightened as she glanced at Iris who had returned to the couch to assess the damage done, "I can helf Darkess too!" the little girl clapped her hands and started to move to where the shade lay.
"Whoa whoa Sof." Jamie quickly placed a hand on her shoulder, "Maybe we should let the Iris handle this ok."
"But Jami…I can helf now." Sophie's lip stuck out as she pouted
"I know you could Sof. But I reeeallly wanted to play tea party before we had to go to bed." Jamie made sure his voice was exaggerated, hoping to entice her to going upstairs so that Iris could start taking care of Darkness.
Sophie seemed to think that over
"Ok."
The winter spirit held back a laugh when Sophie bounced slightly
"We can play jus a lil bit." The little girl wagged her finger at Jamie, "But then I have to helf Darkess k?" Sophie turned and raced up the steps, giggling about beating her brother to her room.
Jamie hurried after her, he paused at the bottom of the stairs as he glanced back "Jack I'll try and keep her busy for as long as I can."
Jack simply nodded as his brother turned to follow after Sophie, after he was sure the two were gone the winter spirit got back to his feet and hurried over to where Iris was already looking Darkness over, "Iris how is he?"
"Darkness has lost a lot of blood." Iris winced inwardly as she felt a tug as she began unwinding the blood-stained cloth that had been wrapped around the shade's middle, "But his pulse and breathing are strong."
"That's good." Jack felt a rise of relief, that feeling however left almost instantly when Iris finished unwrapping the blood-soaked bandage and the injury beneath was revealed to them.
In the dead center of Darkness's back in a nearly perfect circle the skin had turned a bluish black and had an almost leathery appearance. Dark blood had caked all around the injury, though now that Iris had disturbed the bandage small splits in the skin had opened again and bright red had begun trickling again.
"Jack, he will be fine."
Jack was brought back by Iris's calm voice, "But…it looks…"
"Worse than it is." Iris spoke gently as she carefully pressed her finger against the burnt skin, a look of relief came to Iris's face when under the pressure of her touch the skin took on a slight white tinge before going back to charred black upon her release, "There is still blood flow to the skin and the nerves so I don't think that a skin graft will be needed."
An exhale of relief escaped the winter spirit, "I…I was worried." Jack's face paled slightly, "I've seen lots of burns that needed them."
Iris glanced at him, "Thankfully Jack, this time that won't be necessary." Golden wings rustled as Iris moved position so that she could reach the wound better, "Do you mind going upstairs and grabbing some towels? I need to wash this off to keep it from getting infected."
"Sure." Jack nodded quickly as he hurried to the stairs. Just as he started up, he caught Iris's next command.
"While Jack is grabbing those, Patrick I need you too…"
Whatever Iris was saying became a bit muffled as the winter spirit reached the top of the stairs.
Jack however was too focused on his own thoughts to really notice
"If Darkness was attacked…does that mean Sam was too?" Jack's chest tightened at the thought of his friend out there alone. "No, Darkness wouldn't have let anything happen to him. He probably sent Sam away and held off whoever it was." The winter spirit kept talking to no one as he tried to alleviate his own worry, "Not to mention Cazador is looking for Sam and I bet they are on their way home as we speak."
"Jack!"
The poor winter spirit jumped in the air at the loud shout, blue eyes narrowed at Pitch who had just burst from the room down the hall.
"Are you trying to give me a heart attack?" Jack growled under his breath as the Nightmare King hurried to him
"What in the world is going on downstairs?" Pitch ignored his brother's annoyance, "A few minutes ago I thought I sensed Onyx returning then I nearly pass out from being struck by fear from about eight people!"
Jack raised an eyebrow, "Man, your fear meter is way off." The winter spirit sweat dropped when Pitch crossed his arms, clearly not in the mood, "Patrick and Iris are fine but…"
The winter spirit quickly summarized for the shade the events that had just transpired.
"…so now she's downstairs trying to patch him up and get those weird bands off." Jack finished his recount a bit breathless after talking so fast.
For a moment Pitch stood there, arms crossed as if he were thinking. Then he moved past Jack in an almost fluid motion, "Gather whatever Iris asked for you to and hurry back down. I'll see if there is anything I can assist with."
Jack was a bit confused when the Nightmare King glanced back over his shoulder at the room he had come from, "I'm sure Mother and Abyss can handle things for now."
"Is dad ok?" Jack felt almost guilty for having forgotten that Pitch had been helping rebandage and cast their dad's numerous injuries.
"He's no worse than he was before if that is any consolation." Pitch exhaled as he continued to the stairs.
"Sheesh, when it rains it pours for my family." Jack shook his head as he turned and hurried to the bathroom to retrieve the towels Iris had asked for.
Once he had gotten them Jack once again rushed down to the living room
"I got them Iris!" Jack didn't bother stopping his momentum as he left the bottom step and turned into the room. However, at the sight of who was in there the winter spirit halted instantly.
There standing before Pitch and Patrick was Cazador
"Cazador! You're ok!" Jack grinned as he ran in the room, "Where's Sam?" the winter spirit looked around the room, "Don't tell me he's hiding…you did tell him we're not mad at him right Pitch?"
Jack stiffened when the Nightmare King turned to look at him, "Pitch…" the winter spirit instantly knew something wasn't right by the look in his brother's eyes.
"Jack, Sam's not here."
It felt like a weight had settled on top of him, the winter spirit felt an immense sense of guilt for not rushing out the moment Darkness had been found to go look for his friend. How could he have just assumed that Cazador would find Sam? The boy was probably scared to death and had most likely hidden himself.
Jack had lost the shy teen several times during their time together and often had to wait for Sam to get over whatever had frightened him and come back. Now his friend was once again gone but this time Jack wasn't going to wait for Sam to come back on his own.
"Well, what are we standing around for? We need to go back out there and find him before whoever attacked Darkness does!" Blue eyes gleamed as Jack tossed the towels he held to the recliner, "Come on!" the winter spirit was surprised when instead of going to the door Pitch walked slowly to him.
"Jack," Pitch spoke quietly as he placed his hands on the teen's shoulder, "Sam was taken by a Kiln."
At those words Jack felt as if he had been punched in the gut. Kilns (or fire spirits as they were often called) had nasty tempers and were not known for their compassion. Jack had been on the receiving end of plenty a Kiln's wrath throughout his years as a spirit.
"Pitch, we have to save him!" Jack tried to pull away but was halted by the Nightmare King's grip, "They'll burn him Pitch! They did before!"
Pitch however didn't release his hold, "Jack, calm down."
"Calm down!" Jack shook with anger, "How can I calm down! Look at what that bastard did to Darkness!" blue eyes filled with fear, instantly images of Sam covered in the same leathery burnt skin, and angry blisters came to his mind.
"Cazador sorry so."
Jack stopped trying to get away from Pitch as Cazador spoke, his heart broke at the sound of utter misery in the hunter's voice.
"Cazador tried save NightStalker but Man of Fire used flames and sent Cazador away." Cazador whimpered as he went to his knees, "Forgive Cazador…" the spirit placed his forehead on the ground as he knelt, "Cazador no deserve to be in pack."
"Cazador it wasn't your fault." Pitch's voice was firm as he glanced at the kneeling hunter, "Now get up so we can go out and find Sam before this Kiln gets too far with him." The Nightmare King removed his grip on the winter spirit as he turned to leave.
"I'm coming with you." Jack grabbed the Nightmare King's arm before the shade could walk away
"No." Pitch shook his head, "I don't want to have to be worrying about you too Jack."
Blue eyes narrowed; Jack opened his mouth to tell his brother exactly what he thought of that when Pitch continued
"We are dealing with a Kiln and you would fair poorly against such an element."
Jack's eyes narrowed, "You have no idea how many times I've dealt with these fire jerks Pitch. When I was on my own, I fought so many Kilns I lost count." The teen unconsciously clenched his fist, "I can handle myself!"
"Jack, dear, could you bring me one of those towels?"
Both Jack and Pitch stopped and glanced at Iris, who had spoken
"I need to wash this wound before the skin heals over any dirt or grim that could be there." Iris motioned to Darkness, who had not stirred at all even with the loud shouting.
"Sure." Jack grabbed one of the cloths and hurried over to Iris, ready to get back to arguing his point with Pitch. However, upon getting closer to the couch Jack frowned as he handed the cloth to her "Why haven't you taken those bindings off him?" the winter spirit was confused as to why Iris was leaving the golden bands on the shade.
"Can't seem to get them off kid." Patrick spoke as he offered Iris a bag the he had been holding, "Iris tried several different spells, and nothing seemed to work."
"They are made of some kind of energy I have never seen before." Pitch broke in, a slight sound of confusion within the shade's voice, "I tried to use my sand to remove them as well but with no avail."
"Did that fire spirit put them on him?" Jack watched as Iris wetted the towel and gently began cleaning the wound, "If so, they could react to water or something."
Cazador whimpered as he stepped to them, "Cazador no know. Cazador found Silver Eyes that way." The boy beamed slightly, "Cazador had fire dog bring Silver Eyes to pack so Cazador could look for Nightstalker more." Here the boy's eyes lowered, "But Cazador fail…"
"Hey, hey it's not your fault ok?" Jack spoke quickly, "I know you did everything you could Cazador." The winter spirit forced a smile, "Just you wait, we'll find Sam and kick that Kiln's butt."
At that Cazador's face filled with excitement, "Then pack no angry with Cazador? No make Cazador leave?"
"Of course not."
Both glanced at Iris who was applying some kind of salve to Darkness's back
"Cazador, no one blames you at all." Iris smiled as she motioned for another cloth which Patrick handed to her, "You are family and as such you belong here."
"Thank you, Lady of Light." Cazador bowed to her, the hunter's worry from earlier now gone
"We need to leave." Pitch spoke quietly, though there was an underlying current of urgency in his voice, "Cazador I need you to take me to where you and Sam were before the Kiln sent you away."
Cazador nodded quickly, "Cazador will take." The boy cocked his head as if in thought, "Cazador think it faster to step into shadows to large lake. Can go quicker from there."
"Good idea." Pitch waved a hand, causing the shadow of the coffee table to tremble like water "Let's go."
Jack watched with a slight gnawing of anger as his brother and Cazador disappeared into the rippling blackness. He started to step forward, to go anyway when a voice stopped him.
"Jack, please don't."
The winter spirit paused and glanced back at Iris, surprised to see worry in her face.
"I know you are upset and want to help your friend, but you need to listen to Pitch and wait here for him to return."
"Yeah kid, that demon knows exactly what he's doing." Patrick grinned "I almost feel sorry for the fire moron that kidnapped Sam."
Jack nodded, "Me too, but that's not the point. I should be able to go look too. Sam is my friend!"
Patrick's face turned sympathetic, "Jack your brother is just trying to keep you safe." The man motioned to him, "Ice vs fire isn't exactly the best match up."
"I know that." Jack shivered as memories flashed across his mind, "I learned that lesson many times when I was alone."
The room went silent for a moment, neither Patrick nor Iris knowing how to respond. After a moment Iris decided to move on.
"Well I have done what I can for Darkness at the moment." Iris gently brushed the shade's hair from his face, "Resting will be the best thing for him now."
"Well that's good, can we go home and rest too?" Patrick's voice held a slight whine to it
"Patrick, behave." Iris glared at her husband, "We will not leave until Pitch gets back with Sam." She waved a hand, "We still do not know why he needed us in the first place."
"Obviously it was to take care of Darkness." Patrick snorted.
"No, it wasn't." Iris rolled her eyes, "It was very clear that Pitch was unaware that Darkness was injured."
"Maybe Jack knows." Patrick glanced at Jack, "So kid why did your brother send that sadistic pony to fetch us?"
Jack sweat dropped, he wasn't ready for Iris to work on his injury, he was too worried about Sam and Darkness at the moment, "Ummmm he called for you for….dad, yeah dad was hurt really bad while in the Vaults and Pitch thought maybe Iris could help."
Iris was on her feet instantly, "Where is he?"
"Upstairs in the last bedroom." Jack motioned to the stairs, "Mom and Abyss are in there now."
At the mention of the Void Keeper Iris's normally gentle emerald eyes clouded with anger
"That feather brain taking care of someone?" Iris snorted at the thought, "He couldn't take care of a house plant let alone a person!"
Jack watched as she stormed to the stairs
"I better go make sure she doesn't berate Abyss to death." Patrick chuckled slightly, "Iris is a bit testy right now. Hormones I think." The spirit grinned, "Though I would never tell her that." Mismatched eyes glanced at Jack, "You ok watching Darkness down here?"
"I'm not going to run off if that's what you're worried about." Jack huffed as he moved to the couch where Darkness was laying, "I'll be here when you get back."
Patrick watched as the winter spirit flopped to the carpet, "Jack…"
"Just go on Patrick." Jack exhaled as he sat criss cross on the carpet, just a few inches from the shade.
"All right, if you need us just holler ok?" Patrick hesitated just a moment, then he too went after Iris upstairs.
Jack stared at the empty stairs for a moment, a mixture of anger and relief washing over him. Anger that once again he was being treated like a weakling that couldn't handle himself and relief that his dad was going to have yet another person to take care of him.
"Sheesh I thought they'd never leave."
Every hair on the back of Jack's neck stood on end as the voice of Haruto pierced through the room like electricity. Instantly Jack was on his feet grabbing his staff from it place against the couch. The teen held the staff outwards, ready to defend himself.
"Whoa whoa, I just want to talk."
Jack's eyes jerked to the couch where the voice was emanating from, he stared at Darkness who was still out cold, the shade's chest rising and falling rhythmically.
"There you go nephew! Thought you'd never figure it out."
Jack stared when every word was punctuated by the bands around Darkness pulsing, realization hit him like a ton of bricks, it was his uncle that had attacked the shade. Blue eyes widened, Haruto was the fire spirit that Cazador was talking about!
"Haruto!" Jack growled, though he lowered his staff, "Just what have you done with Sam!"
"My my Jack, you catch on real quick don't you." Haruto's voice held a sneering tone, "Raze is so dull witted I was certain I'd have to spell everything out for you." The ancient spirit's tone became thoughtful, "Perhaps you got your brains from Rashana's side…thank Eon."
Jack narrowed his eyes, he was not in the mode for his crazy uncle's shenanigans, "Just tell me where Sam is!"
"Oh, all right, since you asked so nicely."
The winter spirit jumped back when the band around Darkness's middle dissipated into steam, the golden mist forming into a roiling cloud above the shade.
"No…" the word came as a whisper as an image of Sam came into focus.
The poor teen had been stripped of his shirt revealing hundreds of fresh cuts and bruises. Sam's head was down, the boy's chin resting on his chest. Jacks gaze went to Sam's arms which were stretched above his head, a thick chain had been wrapped around both of the teen's thin arms to the point where Sam's skin had turned a blood red, the end of it had then been tied to a thick iron bar that ran the length of the room above the teen.
"Sam, oh Sam! Jack is here to see you."
Jack's heart broke when Sam's head shot up, fear reflected in his eyes.
"No, please! Don't hurt Jack! You have me, do what you want to me! Just don't hurt my friend!" Sam pulled against the chain holding him, the boy looking around franticly for the winter spirit.
"Sam, Sam it's ok! I'm not really there! I'm fine." Jack spoke quickly trying to reassure the teen.
Tears streamed down Sam's face, "Jack, please. Please don't give yourself up for me! I'm not worth it! Haruto is goinmmph!" whatever the boy had been about to say was cut short by a thick golden band just like the ones around Darkness snaking its way around the boy's mouth silencing him.
"Now, now Sam can't be spoiling the fun now can we."
"You bastard! I'm going to kill you!" Jack felt his stomach twist as Sam tossed his head trying to get the gag off "Sam doesn't deserve this!"
"No, no he doesn't." Haruto seemed amused by the boy's anger, "But you brought it on him Jack. I asked you in the Vaults to come with me and you refused. So, this is your fault."
Jack bit his lip, holding back the stream of curses he wanted to hurl at his uncle
Haruto didn't seem to notice as he continued
"However, I believe that a deal can be reached."
"Deal?" Jack growled slightly, "What kind of deal?"
"I need to talk with you Jack." Haruto chuckled slightly as if at an inside joke, "If you will come to my palace, I will let Sam go."
Jack bit the inside of his lip, he knew good and well that his uncle didn't just want to simply 'talk'. His eyes glanced to the stairs, maybe he could alert Abyss…or Patrick…
"And just in case you think there are any other options out there for you…"
A sound not unlike the crackle of lighting erupted
"Stop it!" Jack shouted as he watched Sam's body convulse, a line of blue electricity winding around the teens body like a serpent. The winter spirit's heart was breaking as he watched helpless as his friend thrashed trying in vain to get away from the pain.
"So, do you accept?" Haruto's voice held every ounce of the pleasure the spirit was feeling
"Yes! Yes! Just stop hurting him!"
At his words the blue current burst away in a shower of sparks. Sam's body went limp, held up only by the cruel chain around his arms. Sam's knees were buckled though he was on his feet, indicating to Jack that his friend was unconscious.
"Good, I knew you were a reasonable person." Haruto's voice held a sneer, "Now I want you to wait until tomorrow afternoon and slip out. If you leave right now someone would just follow you and I can't have that."
"And just where do you want me to go." Jack had to keep his voice calm, though he wanted to shout and scream.
"Oh, just wander into the forest Jack, I'll find you."
"Wait." Jack motioned to Darkness, "First take these bindings off of Darkness."
"Awww it's nice to know that the half breed has some friends within the family." Haruto's voice sneered "See you soon nephew."
Jack shivered as Haruto's laugh filled the air as the bands dissipated into nothing. Once he had checked to make sure that Darkness wasn't injured because of them the winter spirit sank to the floor and brought his knees to his chest. All he could now was wait and pray that at least Haruto would keep his promise and let Sam go.
Cliff! Please let me know what you guys thought. I love reading your reviews, they keep me writing. Just keep my family and myself in your thoughts and prayers. Hopefully I will be able to update on time if not I will get it out asap. Until next time :)